Fairytales and Creativity - Nordic Childhoods (BLH3250, BLH3330)

Bachelor's course
For exchange students

This multidisciplinary course gives an introduction to the main theories of myths, fairy tales and legends in Western culture. The emphasis will lie on practical and creative methods of using storytelling and creativity in various pedagogical settings.

Admission requirements

This course is designed to offer a full-time study programme for students at Early Childhood at Social Education and Teachers Education. To apply for this course you must have completed at least two years of your undergraduate degree at your home institution. Interested students from other related academic areas are also welcome to apply.

How to apply

International exchange students select courses when applying for exchange.

The application deadline is 15 April.

Content

The course is designed to offer a full-time study programme for teacher students from early childhood education to lower secondary school and future social workers, approaching questions like these: Why do stories appeal to modern children? What is special about narratives like myths, fairy tales and legends? In what way can oral stories contribute to increased knowledge about ourselves? How do they tell stories in a Sami kindergarten? How can trips in the Nordic nature increase the understanding of the creatures in myths and fairy tales? How can stories be transformed by drama, music, arts and digital formats?

Important elements in the course are:

  • the difference between myths, fairy tales and legends
  • structural theories, psychological theories, eclectical theories
  • myths and religion, Old Norse mythology
  • the student’s own cultural identity
  • the uses of fairy tales in education, therapy and social work
  • heroes and monsters
  • drama and music
  • stop motion animation
  • audio theatre
  • documentary
  • storytelling

Teaching methods

The course aims to provide workshops and excursions, for instance:

  • visits to museums, schools and kindergartens
  • overnight stay in the forest and by the sea
  • puppet making and performing
  • story writing
  • radio theatre
  • drama
  • stop-motion animation

Work methods:

  • literature studies/theory
  • lectures and supervision
  • excursions, workshops and seminars
  • cultural exchanges/discussions
  • reflective journal

Course description

Costs

There is no semester fee for exchange students.

Questions about this course?

You can contact us by e-mail if you have questions about this course.

Student story

Students hiking in the Norwegian woods
Nature as your classroom

As an exchange student at the Department of Early Childhood Education, you will experience first-hand what makes the Norwegian approach to kindergarten unique.